Lewes 3rds 0 vs Heathfield 3rds 79

Heathfield 3rds finish second in league with a big win.

Lewes 3rds 0 vs Heathfield 3rds 79

The game between these two sides before Christmas had been a very close run affair. That game had been scheduled to be played at Lewes but due to a bad pitch was played at Heathfield. Today’s game was therefore meant to be at Lewes but this was difficult with the Lewes club house out of action so again Lewes made the trip to Heathfield so the game could be played. The Lewes 16 that travelled were far removed from the side previously encountered but they played with grit and determination despite an inspirational performance by Heathfield and the score line does not really reflect the effort put in by the travelling side. Heathfield just hit a purple patch today and it was a fitting way to send off Julian Wates into retirement, a player who has committed some 30 years as a Heathfield ranger.

The scoring was varied in nature but always well executed. Lewes had to start the game with uncontested scrums giving a 10 point penalty before the game kicked off. In heavy rain Heathfield were soon in the Lewes 22 and a simple yet well executed catch and drive from the line out saw captain Ian Schlieder drive over. Next Oli Goldsworthy made a good break but unluckily lost the ball in contact, however flanker Ivan Downes was on hand to win the ball back and this gave retirery Julian Wates the chance to crash over. Downes was involved in the next try with an unorthodox chip over the cover defence and 2nd row Kenny Lewes just made it to touch the ball down before it went dead. A smart break from full back Joe Hastings set up wing Tom Keylock for his first and good hands from the backs created space out wide for Keylock to take his second soon after. The final Heathfield score of the half came from Oli Goldsworthy who chased down a chip on from centre Wates and the teams changed round at half time with Heathfield in a comfortable lead 0-44.

Great credit goes to Lewes for sticking at the game particularly as the rain lashed down even heavier after the break but second half was very similar to the first with Heathfield well in control. Further tries from Schlieder (with two more), replacement full back Mike Brown, Wates for his second and scrum half Jack Bayley (and one more that I missed patching up a player sorry) saw Heathfield run out clear winners 0-79. Despite several players standing out Man of the match could only be one player this week: Julian “30 years man & boy” Wates. A truly great servant to the club, who will be massively missed on the field of play.

This win sees Heathfield 3rd team finish comfortably in second place in their league this year which is the highest place they have ever achieved. A cracking result all round. They also beat Horsham 2s early on in the season who top the Sussex West league at this level (winning every game) so a very successful year. Hopefully everyone can come and celebrate this at the rugby club dinner on Sat June 8th. Please drop me a text for a ticket.